a partire da 1.935€

Eccezionale 4.9rating (10)

Sharklife Research Assistant Program

location
4 - 12 settimane  ·  Età 18 - 50+

rating  Eccezionale 4.9  · 
  Verificato da Volunteer World
  Tasso di risposta molto alto

Punti Salienti

  • Get close to sharks
  • Get Freediving training
  • Examine real shark and ray specimens
  • Study in a World Heritage Site
  • Encounter diverse marine mega fauna and dive in warm clear ocean environments

Particolarmente adatto per

Età 18+
Singoli
Gruppi

Sul programma

Sharklife has been driving shark conservation initiatives since 2005 and has a wealth of experience to offer enthusiastic research assistants.

Established in 2005 as a non-profit organization, Sharklife works to address the alarming exploitation of both shark populations and ocean fisheries in South African waters. Our marine internship programs aim to nurture shark conservation ambassadors through knowledge developmenthands-on ...

Sul programma

Established in 2005 as a non-profit organization, Sharklife works to address the alarming exploitation of both shark populations and ocean fisheries in South African waters. Our marine internship programs aim to nurture shark conservation ambassadors through knowledge developmenthands-on training, and many hours on the ocean encountering a multitude of marine wildlife. 

"The overall goal of the program is to imprint a deeper understanding of the shark species in the minds of participants" 

The Sharklife Research Assistant program provides a unique platform for students and volunteers to gain field experience working on shark research projects in South Africa's largest coastal Marine Protected Area. With direct involvement in all the research components, you will build your skill base through knowledge developmentpractical training, and many hours on the ocean. 

There is a maximum of 6 research assistants at any time allowing for more valuable experiences in the field and increased personal development. 

Sharklife has been driving shark conservation initiatives since 2005 and has a wealth of experience to offer enthusiastic research assistants. So whether you are an early career marine biologist, student, or passionate volunteer we need you to help drive our shark research projects!

Please note: All our data collection methods are non-invasive, and not harmful to the animals we study, and there is no catching, handling, or feeding of sharks in this program. In addition, we dive in small groups to limit the disturbance of marine wildlife. 

The core goal of this program is to develop your fieldwork experience and watermanship skills. During this month you will steadily practice freediving, clock up scuba dives, and learn routine boating tasks. A series of workshops focused on shark ID, behavior, and biology are given during this month to enhance your understanding of the animals you are researching. You will also be introduced to the data collection, input, and analysis methods used in the projects we are conducting at the time.  

Scuba Diver Training: Optional extra, completed in the first week of your stay.

If you would like to complete one of the following courses whilst you are here, please specify it in the inquiry form.

  • PADI Open Water Course - $350
  • PADI Advanced Diver Course - $350

 These courses are delivered through our PADI 5 Star scuba training partner.

 Highlights:

  • 10 - 20 boat-based research trips
  • Shark encounters
  • 30 - 60hrs in the field 
  • Research freediver training (5 - 10m)
  • 5 -10 research scuba dives (if certified)
  • Shark workshops

 Duties:

  • Prepare the boat and dive gear
  • Prepare research equipment
  • Assist with crewing the boat
  • Perform water data collection tasks
  • Maintain dive gear and boating equipment
  • Data collection, input, and analysis

 Deliverables:

  • 1 page (500 words) blog article on a relevant conservation topic
  • A 10-minute presentation on an elasmobranch species you encountered here
  • Short structured report on research findings for the month 

Sodwana Bay is a small rural town that borders the pristine world heritage site known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

The park includes South Africa's largest coastal Marine Protected Area, spanning 280 km of coastline, and is one of the top ten dive destinations in the world. The coral reefs contain over 1,200 species of fish as well as a variety of underwater seascapes and marine megafauna. The warm tropical waters (20-27C, 60-80F) year-round and good visibility make for awesome research conditions! 

Sodwana Bay is also a short drive from a selection of Big 5 Game Reserves which you will visit on your days off.

“The wetland park must be the only place on the globe where the world’s oldest land mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world’s biggest land mammal (the elephant) share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (the coelacanth) and the world’s biggest marine mammal (the whale).” Nelson Mandela 2001.


Please note: MAX AGE is 30 as we can only accommodate volunteers between 18 and 30 years old.



Giornata tipica

Your days will be divided into land days and ocean days, depending on weather conditions.

Typical Day: 07:00 - 15:00 On returning we rinse, de-kit the boat and diving equipment, and break for lunch. 

After lunch, we meet in the research office where interns and volunteers are tasked with the ...

Giornata tipica

Your days will be divided into land days and ocean days, depending on weather conditions.

Typical Day: 07:00 - 15:00 On returning we rinse, de-kit the boat and diving equipment, and break for lunch. 

After lunch, we meet in the research office where interns and volunteers are tasked with the daily data management functions or maintenance tasks. 

We end off with a debrief and planning session for the next day's research activities. 

If we are unable to go to sea due to inclement weather we conduct theory sessions in our auditorium using graphics, videos, and models to enhance your theoretical understanding of sharks. Interns and volunteers use this opportunity to ask questions and discuss prevalent conservation topics. 

We also use this time to conduct various examinations of the shark and ray specimens we have preserved, either frozen, dried or in solution. These specimens enable participants to get a feel of the various anatomical features of each animal. 

The rest of the day may be allocated to extra activities happening in the center at the time such as; assisting with school groups, museum display development, boat maintenance, etc.

After preparing the boat and equipment for the sea we head to the beach. Interns and volunteers are an integral part of the team and assist directly with all beach and boating logistics.  We launch through the surf and make our way along the coastline to the designated study area where we conduct in-water surveys, record sightings data, and change out equipment. Interns get the opportunity to develop seamanship and diving skills whilst encountering a wide variety of marine life. 



Attività del tempo libero

  1. The most popular free-time activity is a day trip to the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve. The park is home to Africa's big five: elephant, rhinoceros (black/hook-lipped and white/square-lipped), Cape buffalo, lion, and leopard.
  2. You can just relax on the pristine beaches of Sodwana Bay.
  3. There are also ...

Attività del tempo libero

  1. The most popular free-time activity is a day trip to the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve. The park is home to Africa's big five: elephant, rhinoceros (black/hook-lipped and white/square-lipped), Cape buffalo, lion, and leopard.
  2. You can just relax on the pristine beaches of Sodwana Bay.
  3. There are also quad bike tours of the local lake systems and forests. 
  4. You can scuba dive on the world-renowned reefs of Sodwana Bay. 

Requisiti

Requisiti

Età minima: 18 anni

Per partecipare al programma è necessario avere almeno 18 anni alla data di inizio del programma. Potrebbero esserci delle esenzioni se si è in grado di fornire il permesso del proprio tutore legale o se si è accompagnati dai propri genitori.

Competenze linguistiche

È necessario parlare di Inglese (livello intermedio)

Requisiti di formazione

Marine Sciences, Biology & Conservation (not essential) a livello High school

Restrizioni sulla nazionalità

Nessuna restrizione. Gli aiuti da tutto il mondo sono benvenuti.

Altre competenze

Being able to swim is a requirement. Please note: MAX AGE is 30 as we can only accommodate volunteers between 18 and 30 years old.

Impegno di tempo

Il vostro aiuto sarà richiesto lunedì, martedì, mercoledì, giovedì e venerdì da 07:00 - 16:00

Servizi inclusi

Servizi inclusi

Servizi per Sharklife Conservation Group

As the project is based in a remote rural area there are extra expenses involved in providing similar services to those found in developed countries. Nonetheless, we have tried our best to balance the costs to make your trip both affordable and comfortable. 

Costs Include:

The majority of your program cost goes towards the implementation of research projects.

  • Research expense contribution
  • Airport transfers 
  • Private room  
  • Lectures, materials, freediving certification
  • Dive gear
  • Wifi
  • 24hr support  

Excluded:

  • Scuba Courses: (PADI OW or PADI ADV, EFR, Rescue, DM, and any specialties) 
  • Game Park tours
  • Flights 
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals *
  • Vaccinations 
  • Weekend Activities: These can be scuba diving or field trips

* Meals - The research camp has a fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare your meals and there are daily trips to the local supermarket where you can purchase food.  Alternatively, there is a restaurant on site where you can order lunch and dinner from a large menu. 

Prelievo dall'aeroporto a King Shaka International Airport

FLIGHT BOOKING IMPORTANT INFO:

If your program starts on the 1st of January you need to arrive at the airport on the 1st of January, not before. If your program's last day is the 2nd of December, you need to book your flight for departure on the 2nd of December.

You need to fly into King Shaka Durban via Johannesburg O.R Tambo Airport or Cape Town International Airport. Please book your flight to arrive no later than 1:30 pm as it's a 4-hour drive back to Sodwana Bay and there is a stretch of road that is very dangerous to drive at night due to stray cows, goats, and dogs.

If all the available flights on the arrival date only arrive after 2 pm you would need to arrive the day before and stay over in Durban to meet us at the airport the next day at the arranged time.

For the departure flight please book a flight for after 1 pm – Lunch time.

If you need assistance with travel arrangements, please let me know, I’m happy to help.

A Sharklife staff member will pick you up from the airport on your arrival day, the staff member will more than likely be me, and I will be in contact with you via WhatsApp a few days before your departure date to start planning.

Alloggio

You will be situated within the intern camp located next to the Sharklife Ocean Center. 

We have a total of nine rooms.

Eight rooms are small yet secure and private, these eight rooms share four bathrooms.

One room is en-suite.

The kitchen and communal areas are spacious and well-equipped. We do have a washing machine in the common area for you to do some laundry.

Restaurant on-site.

Accesso a Internet

Accesso limitato al sito del progetto

Cosa NON è incluso?

Cosa NON è incluso?

Cibo e Bevande

Cibo, snack o bevande sono a pagamento.

Biglietti aerei

L'aeroporto più vicino è King Shaka International Airport (DUR) a Durban. Vi aiutiamo a trovare voli economici per Sudafrica. TROVARE VOLI ECONOMICI

Assicurazione di viaggio

Andare all'estero è un'avventura ed è sempre meglio essere preparati. Malattia o infortunio improvviso, annullamento o furto: un'assicurazione di viaggio per Sudafrica offre sicurezza ed è un vantaggio da avere. OTTENERE UN PREZZO

Vaccini

Se avete intenzione di fare volontariato a Sudafrica dovete chiedere un parere medico prima di iniziare il vostro viaggio sociale. Controllare le vaccinazioni richieste per Sudafrica. CHECKER PER I VACCINI

Dettagli all'arrivo

Start Dates: 2024/2025

1-Month Shark research assistant dates: 
2nd Jan - 29th Jan 2024
29th Jan - 26th Feb 2024
26th Feb - 25th Mar 2024
25th Mar - 22nd Apr 2024
22nd Apr - 20th May 2024
20th May - 17th June 2024
17th June - 15th July 2024
15th July - 12th Aug 2024
12th Aug - 9th Sep 2024
9th Sep - 7th Oct 2024
7th Oct - 4th Nov 2024
4th Nov - 2nd Dec 2024
2nd Dec - 30th Dec 2024

2-Month Shark research assistant dates:
2nd Jan - 26th Feb 2024
29th Jan - 25th Mar 2024
26th Feb - 22nd Apr 2024
25th Mar - 20th May 2024
22nd Apr - 17th June 2024
20th May - 15th July 2024
17th June - 12th Aug 2024
15th July - 9th Sep 2024
12th Aug - 7th Oct 2024
9th Sep - 4th Nov 2024
7th Oct - 2nd Dec 2024
4th Nov - 30th Dec 2024
2nd Dec - 27th Jan 2025

3-Month Shark research assistant dates: 
2nd Jan - 25th Mar 2024
29th Jan - 22nd Apr 2024
26th Feb - 20th May 2024
25th Mar - 17th June 2024
22nd Apr - 15th July 2024
20th May - 12th Aug 2024
17th June - 9th Sep 2024
15th July - 7th Oct 2024
12th Aug - 4th Nov 2024
9th Sep - 2nd Dec 2024
7th Oct - 30th Dec 2024
4th Nov - 27th Jan 2025
2nd Dec - 24th Feb 2025
 

FLIGHT BOOKING IMPORTANT INFO:

If your program starts on the 1st of January you need to arrive at the airport on the 1st of January, not before. If your program's last day is the 2nd of December, you need to book your flight for departure on the 2nd of December.

You need to fly into King Shaka Durban via Johannesburg O.R Tambo Airport or Cape Town International Airport. Please book your flight to arrive no later than 1 pm as it's a 4-hour drive back to Sodwana Bay and there is a stretch of road that is very dangerous to drive at night due to stray cows, goats, and dogs.

If all the available flights on the arrival date only arrive after 2 pm you would need to arrive the day before and stay over in Durban to meet us at the airport the next day at the arranged time.

For the departure flight please book a flight for after 12 pm – Lunch time.

If you need assistance with travel arrangements, please let me know, I’m happy to help.

A Sharklife staff member will pick you up from the airport on your arrival day, the staff member will more than likely be me, and I will be in contact with you via WhatsApp a few days before your departure date to start planning.

If you are unsure please do not hesitate to ask for help.

Disponibilità
gen feb mar apr mag giu lug ago set ott nov dic

Tariffe del programma

4 settimane (soggiorno min.) 1.935€
8 settimane 2.905€
12 settimane (soggiorno max.) 3.875€
Tariffe medie 403€/settimana

Tariffe del programma

403€ tariffe settimanali 4 - 12 settimane Età 18 - 50+

Modalità di pagamento

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NESSUNA COMMISSIONE PER LA CARTA DI CREDITO


Durata

4 - 12 settimane

Deposito

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Pagamento Finale

Il pagamento finale sarà concordato con Sharklife Conservation Group durante il processo di candidatura. Le soluzioni più comuni sono il bonifico bancario o il pagamento in contanti presso la sede del progetto.


Incontra il tuo ospite

Sharklife Conservation Group

Eccezionale 4.9 rating (10 recensioni)

Non-profit - fondata nel 2005

Verificato da Volunteer World

  Tasso di risposta molto alto

Ospitato da

Candice

Lingue parlate: Inglese, Afrikaans

Sul progetto

Established in 2005, Sharklife addresses the alarming exploitation of both shark populations and ocean fisheries in South African waters.

Incontra il tuo ospite

Who we are
  • Sharklife is a small organisation with a large reach.  The founding members have a extensive amount of experience with sharks and associated conservation tactics. 
Our history
  • Sharklife is one of the longest standing shark focused conservation organisations in the world.  We began our organisation in the times when shark conservation wasn't as widely appreciated or accepted like it is today. We still work tirelessly today to drive the urgent need for ocean conservation actions on a global scale. 
Our Aims
  1. To develop a compassionate desire to conserve sharks by altering public misconceptions about sharks and replacing the "Jaws" syndrome with positive understanding and respect.
  2. Reduce anthropogenic threats to over exploited marine species by increasing awareness and encouraging sustainable seafood choices.
  3. Increase marine tourism and transform shark populations into a sustainable living resource by developing educational ocean experiences for all South African’s
What we do
  • Sharklife strives to develop and implement tangible marine conservation projects. We have a broad focus addressing shark conservation on many levels.  
Where we work 
  • The Sharklife Ocean Center is based in Sodwana Bay,  located in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal South Africa. The village borders the pristine world heritage site known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This small rural village is safe with Cash ATM's, Restaurants, Grocery Shop, Free Wifi, Laundry Service, Dive Shop.
Who we are looking for
  • Sharklife needs people who are passionate about shark conservation, people who are driven to develop their skills and the experience necessary to make meaningful inroads in the field of marine conservation. 
Why choose us
  • Sharklife is an established, authentic conservation organisation with a wealth of experience in both shark behavior and the ocean environment. 

10 recensioni · rating4.9

Florian Jager rating4.8

2023 at Sharklife Research Assistant Program

I spent one month at sharklife in Sodwana Bay and it was definitely one of the best months of my life and I wish it had been longer. I am not a biologist, but a physicist, so it was very interesting for me to see how work is done in this field of science. During my time at sharklife I was able to ...
Jasper Venezia rating4.6

2021 at Sharklife Research Assistant Program

I spent 1 month with this association. Honestly I was such an amazing experience that I can't put it into words. The staff was amazing, they knew a lot and taught us a lot. They are very interest and motivated with shark conservation. I didn't have any experience with sharks in the past but I left ...
Isabella Aitkenhead rating5

2019 at Sharklife Research Assistant Program

The Sharkklife internship experience was like no other! I learnt so much about sharks and shark conservation, my head was just filled with exciting new information for the two weeks. Not only did I learn a lot of valuable skills and information, the staff at Sharklife have inspired me to become a ...
Pim de Boer rating5

2019 at Sharklife Research Assistant Program

Great experience for any ocean or shark enthousiast Had two really great weeks with Sharklife. It's a small but verry dedicated organisation. This makes the program personal and welcoming. It's great to spend time with like minded people exploring the ocean and learning things you always wondered ...
Greg Holder rating5

2019 at Sharklife Research Assistant Program

Sharklife an example of what we need more of! Its a brilliant organisation that truel focuses on what we can do to help protect sharks! Through the internship you really get to feel involved and also learn a lot about sharks and conservation. Grants genuine passion and enthusiasm for sharks comes ...
Interning at Sharklife was the most incredible experience. The internship exceeded all my expectations. Grant, Candice and Dennis are three amazing human beings who have so much knowledge to share. Grant truly went above and beyond to make sure that every minute of the day was spent growing our ...

Posizione

Africa > Africa del Sud > Sudafrica > Kwa-Zulu Natal

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